England have fallen to defeat in their first Rugby League World Cup game following a 30-12 loss to Tonga.

Brian McDermott’s side were kept scoreless for the entire first half, despite having more possession and more time on the opposition line.

After defending all of England’s attacking threat excellently, the Pacific Nation went down to the other end of the field, and a short ball from Isaiya Katoa sent Stefano Utoikamanu over.

Kristian Woolf’s men would then score four more points before the half was over, both of which came as penalty goals from Katoa’s boot.

The second half saw England cross through AJ Brimson early on, before Haumole Olakuatu scored the first off two tries thanks to a deflection off Junior Nsemba.

Another penalty goal from Katoa gave Tonga a 12-point lead, before Tolutau Koula added a score on the left edge. Olakuatu’s second sealed the victory for Tonga, as yet again England had plenty of attacking chances that they couldn’t finish.

With the result now confirmed, here are the player ratings from what was a frustrating and disappointing night for those supporting McDermott’s men.

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England player ratings after Rugby League World Cup defeat to/victory over Tonga

AJ Brimson – 6.5/10

Forced a drop out in the first half, which is more than the halves did. Took his catches well and was in support for line breaks. Scored the first England try and looked lively. Left field for a HIA with three minutes to go.

Dom Young – 7/10

Made some good metres and had a couple of line breaks. Scored to get England back in it.

Hugo Savala – 6/10

Worked well with Young on the right. Made the line break and then assisted AJ Brimson’s try. Kicked two from two.

Herbie Farnworth – 6.5/10

Had huge pressure on him to be England’s key man, but wasn’t given enough early ball to do so. Made a number of offloads.

Zach Eckersley – 6/10

Folded Dallin Watene-Zelezniak on his first catch but was targeted ever since. Dropped his first catch.

George Williams – 6/10

Improved in the second half as he supported O’Neill’s dummy half runs but overall ineffective. Made three errors, most of any England player.

Harry Smith – 5/10

Conceded the penalty for Tonga’s first penalty goal. Unable to find that final pass to get England over and was kept very quiet.

Max King – 5.5/10

Tough first carry saw him dominated. Made 88 metres off 13 carries.

Brad O’Neill – 7/10

Had good distribution from the ruck. Made 29 first-half tackles, most of anyone. No fault of his, but should have come off earlier so Litten had more chance to make an impact.

Luke Thompson – 6/10

Was a late change for Morgan Knowles, and couldn’t live up to the Dolphins man’s presence. Would have been better off the bench.

Junior Nsemba – 6/10

Limited to just 44 metres from seven carries. Wasn’t utilised enough but defended well.

Kai Pearce-Paul – 6.5/10

Playing first game since June after ruptured pec. Bombed a big chance after failing to take in Smith’s short crash ball. Good at getting offloads away. Two errors

Victor Radley – 4/10

Dominated in the pack, which is unusual for ‘the inflictor’. Poor distribution with too many balls going to ground. Two errors.

Jez Litten – 6/10

Came on at 58 minutes for O’Neill. Dummy half darts made some good metres but should have come on earlier.

Ethan Havard – 5/10

Came on at 28 minutes, managed to find an offload and carried well but not excellently. Gave away a penalty on the last on 52 minutes and then another, which turned into two Tonga points.

Sam Walters – 6.5/10

Came on at 32 minutes and brought aggression. Almost scored at 12-24 but was brought down by Katoa.

Ben Currie – N/A

Came on with 12 minutes to go and didn’t have any chance to make a real impact.

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